Soil moisture and nutrient sensor system

ABSTRACT

A soil moisture and fertility sensor system is presented that includes an elongated probe having a plurality of sensor modules positioned along the length of the probe. Each sensor module includes a co-located sensors configured to take a moisture, temperature, and fertility measurements at varying depths of the soil. The probe is configured for wireless communication. The probe is configured to take moisture measurements, temperature measurements and/or nutrient measurements at different times so as to prevent interference between measurements. The probe includes a plurality of receptacles that receive the fertility sensor assembly cartridge that may be inserted into and removed from a receptacle so as to facilitate end-of-life replacement. In one arrangement, the fertility sensor assembly includes a reference sensor and a plurality of nutrient sensors that are each configured to sense the presence of a specific nutrient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/930,182, titled SOIL MOISTURE AND NUTRIENT SENSOR SYSTEM, andfiled on Nov. 4, 2019, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety, including any figures, tables, ordrawings or other information.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to agriculture. More specifically and withoutlimitation, this disclosure relates to systems and methods of sensingmoisture and nutrients in soil.

OVERVIEW OF THE DISCLOSURE

Demands bestowed upon present day farmers are increasing by the day. Dueto the cost of machinery, land, inputs, energy and labor, coupled withincreasingly strict environmental demands, modern farmers must bevigilant to minimize inputs while maximizing yield while being assustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.

The success of any crop largely depends upon the crop having access toadequate moisture as well as adequate nutrients during the crop's lifecycle. Despite the importance of moisture and nutrients, presently thereis no convenient and cost effective way to comprehensively monitormoisture and nutrients across a farm field.

Currently, farmers are forced to monitor in-season moisture andnutrients largely through a manual process. Many farmers simply drivearound and/or walk through their fields to visually inspect the healthof the crops. While this is somewhat effective, this method is laborintensive, time consuming, not-comprehensive and often leads toinconsistent and/or unscientific opinion-based results that are oftennot actionable in a timely manner.

This visual inspection process may be supplemented by the collection ofsoil samples and/or tissue samples which are then sent to a lab to bescientifically analyzed. Soil sampling and tissue sampling providesmore-scientific results than simply visually inspecting the crop.However, soil sampling and tissue sampling is extremely expensive,extremely time consuming and from a practical standpoint simply cannotbe performed in a comprehensive manner across a large farm or field. Assuch, soil sampling and tissue sampling, at best, provides a farmer witha few data points from which the farmer must make drastic assumptionsthat are extrapolated across their entire farm or field.

Both visual inspection and tissue sampling suffer from the same problemin that they are backward looking. That is, these processes require theeffects of moisture levels and nutrient levels to appear in the crops,which is a trailing indicator. Therefore, this information only allowsthe farmer to be reactive instead of proactive. In addition, by the timethe effects of moisture levels and nutrient levels appear in the cropsoften times irreparable damage and time loss has occurred that resultsin yield loss and suboptimal growth.

To compensate for this lack of information or lack of timelyinformation, many farmers are forced to over-apply various nutrientsand/or moisture so to ensure the crops have access to adequate nutrientsand/or moisture throughout the growing season. This over applicationresults in excess cost of inputs. In addition, the over-application ofnutrients results in nutrient runoff that results in high nitratereadings in downstream sources of drinking water as well as offsitecontamination which has been linked to algae blooms in lakes and riversand the Gulf of Mexico.

As such, there is a need for an improved soil moisture and nutrientsensor system for agricultural use.

Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a soilmoisture and nutrient sensor system that improves upon the state of theart.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is more environmentally friendly thanexisting systems and methods.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is more efficient than existing systems andmethods.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is safer to use than existing systems andmethods.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides comprehensive moisture data acrossa field or farm.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides comprehensive moisture data atvarying depths.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides comprehensive nutrient data acrossa field or farm.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides comprehensive nutrient data atvarying depths.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides real-time data.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides actionable data.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides leading-indicator data.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that allows a farmer to be proactive instead ofreactive.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that allows a farmer to maximize output.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that allows a farmer to minimize inputs.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that allows a farmer to optimize inputs andoutputs.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that gives a farmer unprecedented visibility tosoil moisture and nutrients.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that improves yields.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that reduces costs.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is relatively inexpensive.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is simple to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that can be used to sense nutrients for an entiregrowing season.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that has replaceable nutrient sensors.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is wireless.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is battery powered.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that helps a farmer meet increasingly strictenvironmental regulations.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is easy to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is easy to implement.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that has a robust design.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides charts and graphs of soil moistureand soil nutrients.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides a farmer with increased confidencein their decisions.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides accurate soil moisture readings.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides accurate soil nutrient readings.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that allows for the measurement of multiplenutrients.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that normalizes moisture and nutrient readingswith temperature.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides co-located moisture, temperatureand nutrient readings at various depths.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is cost effective to use.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that can be used with any crop.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that can be used with any nutrient.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides highly repeatable results.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that has a robust design.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that provides highly accurate results.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that has a long useful life.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is easy to install.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that has relatively few components.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that has a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that minimized nutrient runoff.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that is environmentally friendly.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that improves a farmer's efficiency.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that saves a farmer time.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a soil moisture andnutrient sensor system that that provides scientific informationregarding soil moisture and nutrients.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the presentdisclosure will become apparent from the specification, claims anddrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A soil moisture and fertility sensor system is presented that includesan elongated probe having a plurality of sensor modules positioned alongthe length of the probe. Each sensor module includes a co-locatedmoisture sensor assembly, temperature sensor assembly and fertilitysensor assembly that take a moisture measurement, a temperaturemeasurement and a fertility measurement at varying depths of the soil.The probe includes an on-board power source, which is at least onebattery, and a communication module that facilitates wirelesscommunication. The probe is configured to take moisture measurements,temperature measurements and/or nutrient measurements at different timesso as to prevent interference between measurements. The probe includes aplurality of receptacles that receive the fertility sensor assemblytherein which is formed on a cartridge that may be inserted into andremoved from a receptacle so as to facilitate end-of-life replacement.In one arrangement, the fertility sensor assembly includes a referencesensor and a plurality of nutrient sensors that are each configured tosense the presence of a specific nutrient. In this way, use of thissystem provides unprecedented soil moisture and nutrient information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a soil moisture and fertility sensor system,in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a wired probe for use in a soil moistureand fertility sensor system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a wireless probe for use in a soil moistureand fertility sensor system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a tube of a probe for use in a soilmoisture and fertility sensor system, in accordance with one or moreembodiments; the view showing the tube with four sensor modules.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a tube of a probe for use in a soilmoisture and fertility sensor system, in accordance with one or moreembodiments; the view showing the tube with four sensor modules; theview showing a closeup of nutrition sensor assemblies of the sensormodules.

FIG. 6 shows tube segments of two probe for use in a soil moisture andfertility sensor system, in accordance with one or more embodiments; theview showing the tube with six sensor modules; the view showing acloseup of nutrition sensor assemblies of the sensor modules.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a of nutrition sensor assembly, inaccordance with one or more embodiments; the view showing the nutritionsensor assembly having four nutrition sensors and one reference sensor.

FIG. 8 shows front, rear, and side views of a nutrition sensor assembly,in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a of nutrition sensor assembly, inaccordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a soil cross section of a wired probe positioned in theground for testing soil moisture and fertility sensor system, inaccordance with one or more embodiments; the view showing sensitivityranges of a plurality of sensor modules positioned in the probe.

FIG. 11 shows views of a gateway for use in a soil moisture andfertility sensor system, in accordance with one or more embodiments; theleft view showing a front exterior view of the gateway; the right viewshowing a front interior view of the gateway.

FIG. 12 shows a portion of a tube of a probe for use in a soil moistureand fertility sensor system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of a wired probe for use in a soil moistureand fertility sensor system, in accordance with one or more embodiments;the view showing the tube of the wired probe with six sensor modules.

FIG. 14 shows a closeup view of a nutrition sensor assembly of a sensormodule of the wired probe shown in FIG. 13, in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded lower rear left side perspective view of anutrition sensor assembly of a sensor module of the wired probe shown inFIG. 13, in accordance with one or more embodiments; the view showing asensor cartridge positioned for insertion into a receptacle; the viewshowing a sensor PCB positioned for connection to the receptacle.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded lower front right side perspective view of anutrition sensor assembly of a sensor module of the wired probe shown inFIG. 13, in accordance with one or more embodiments; the view showing asensor cartridge positioned for insertion into a receptacle; the viewshowing a sensor PCB positioned for connection to the receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in whichis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which thedisclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosuredescribed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description.Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilledin the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices ofthe present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes in form and details may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intendedto cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures,and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andsimilar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects andfeatures may be illustrated in or described with reference to certainfigures or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from onefigure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure orembodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown orexplicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, likereference numbers refer to like elements throughout the variousdrawings.

It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvementsdiscussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments,or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not solimited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodimentswhich provide such advantages or improvements. Similarly, it should beunderstood that various embodiments may not address all or any objectsof the disclosure or objects of the invention that may be describedherein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should notbe interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address suchobjects of the disclosure or invention. Furthermore, although somedisclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials,embodiments are not limited to the specific materials or apparatuses butonly to their specific characteristics and capabilities and othermaterials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood bythose skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom,front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior,exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merelydescribe points of reference and do not limit the present invention toany particular orientation or configuration.

As used herein, the term “or” includes one or more of the associatedlisted items, such that “A or B” means “either A or B”. As used herein,the term “and” includes all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items, such that “A and B” means “A as well as B.” Theuse of “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,”“B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated thatonly a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The useof “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of allother elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, inany “and/or” combination(s).

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude both the singular and plural forms, unless the languageexplicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an”introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced andnot, while definite articles like “the” refer to a samepreviously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an”modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new,while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediatelypreviously presented. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when usedherein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves precludethe presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics,steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to anotherelement, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/orintervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directlyengaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elementspresent. Other words used to describe the relationship between elementsshould be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus“directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged”versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as“operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or“operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected or engaged,respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which mayinclude being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronicallyconnected, wirelessly connected or connected by any other manner, methodor means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as“communicatively connected” includes all variations of informationexchange and routing between two electronic devices, includingintermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not.Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly forelectronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, eitherdirectly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricityand/or information may be transmitted between the components.

It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,”“second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, theseelements should not be limited to any order by these terms unlessspecifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguishone element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals,there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily anydifference or other relationship. For example, a first element could betermed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could betermed a first element, without departing from the scope of exampleembodiments or methods.

Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur outof the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, twooperations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executedconcurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individualoperations within example methods described below may be executedrepetitively, individually or sequentially, to provide looping or otherseries of operations aside from single operations described below. Itshould be presumed that any embodiment or method having features andfunctionality described below, in any workable combination, falls withinthe scope of example embodiments.

As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily describedin the context of soil measurements. However, the embodiments are not solimited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for usein various other sensor applications, which may be improved by thedisclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merelyshown and described as being used in the context of soil measurementsfor ease of description and as one of countless examples.

System 10:

With reference to the figures, a soil moisture and fertility sensorsystem 10 (or simply system 10), and method of use is presented. System10 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tofacilitate the periodic measurement of moisture and nutrients in a farmfield 12 at various locations around the field and at various depths.

To be clear, while the term fertility sensor and the term soil fertilityis used herein, these terms are intended to also mean soil chemistry.That is, various constituents of soil that are important to the soil'shealth and ability to sustain crops may not necessarily be considerednutrients which may include sodium, pH, among others. As used herein theterm fertility sensor and the term soil fertility as used herein isintended to cover all soil constituents including soil chemistry. Assuch, the soil moisture and fertility sensor system 10 presented hereinis intended to sense soil moisture, soil fertility and soil chemistry.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, soil moisture and fertilitysensor system 10 includes: a plurality of probes 14 having a tube 16having an upper end 18 and a lower end 20, a head 22, a plurality ofsensor modules 24 having a moisture sensor assembly 26, a temperaturesensor assembly 28 and fertility sensor assembly 30, a gateway 32, acellular tower 34, the internet 36, the cloud 38, a database 40, acomputing device 42, displays 44 which are used to control inputs 46,such as water 48 and nutrients 50 which are applied to the field 12,among other components, pieces, systems and features, as is furtherdescribed herein.

Field 12:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, soil moisture and fertilitysensor system 10 is shown in use with one or more fields 12. Field 12 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tofacilitate the growth of crops. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, field 12 is a conventional farm field that consists ofnaturally deposited soil that is exposed to the elements such as thatused to grow conventional crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, hay,alfalfa, oats, cotton, vegetables, grapes, or any other crop. However,use of system 10 in association with a conventional farm or field 12 isonly one of countless examples of use and is not intended to belimiting. Instead, it is hereby contemplated that system 10 is intendedto be used not just with conventional farms and fields 12, but alsowherever crops or plants are grown. Additional examples include use withgreenhouses, potted plants, orchards, vineyards, gardens, arboretums,grow houses, or any other place where plants or crops are grown.

Probe 14:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, soil moisture and fertilitysensor system 10 includes the use of one or more probes 14. Probe 14 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to beinserted in the soil of the field 12. Probe 14 is configured to sensemoisture, temperature and nutrients in the soil of field 12 at variousdepths so as to provide a farmer with real-time actionableleading-indicator information so that the farmer may adjust the inputs46, such as water 48 and nutrients 50 before the lack of moisture and/ornutrients negatively affect plant growth. In the arrangement shown, asone example, probe 14 includes a tube 16 that extends a length from anupper end 18 to a lower end 20 and includes a head 22 connected to theupper end of tube 16. However, any other configuration is herebycontemplated for use.

Tube 16 (of Probe 14):

In the arrangement shown, as one example, probe 14 includes a tube 16.Tube 16 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to serve as the main housing of probe 14 and serves to houseand hold and connect the other components of probe 14 while providingprotection to the other components of probe 14. Tube 16 is configured tobe inserted within the soil of field 12 so as to facilitate the takingof moisture, temperature and nutrient measurements.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tube 16 extends a length froman upper end 18 to a lower end 20. Tube 16 may extend any length. It ishereby contemplated that tube 16 may extend only a few inches to severalfeet, such as three feet, four feet, five feet, six feet, seven feet,eight feet, nine feet, ten feet, or more, or any range or lengththerein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tube 16 is formed of agenerally cylindrical tube-shaped member having a hollow interior, apointed tip at its lower end 20 and head 22 connected at its upper end18.

The pointed tip at lower end 20 helps to facilitate easy insertion ofprobe 14 into the soil of field 12. The hollow interior is configured toreceive, house and hold the other components of probe 14 as is furtherdescribed herein.

While a cylindrical shaped tube 16 is shown, a cylindrical tube 16 isonly one of countless possible shapes for tube 16. Any other shapedmember is hereby contemplated for use as tube 16 such as a square tube,a rectangular tube, an oval-shaped tube, a T-shaped member, an I-shapedmember or any other shaped member.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tube 16 is formed of a singlecontinuous member so as to eliminate seams that could allow for theinfiltration of water and contaminants into the hollow interior of tube16. In an alternative arrangement, tube 16 is formed of a plurality ofcomponents that are connected together either in a removable manner,such as by screwing, bolting, clamping, snap-fitting or the like, or ina permanent manner such as by welding, gluing, or the like, or anycombination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, in one or morearrangements tube 16 may be filled with a resin or another filler torestrict moisture or soil from entering the probe and damagingcomponents.

In one arrangement, the pointed tip at lower end 20 is formed as acontinuous monolithic member with tube 16. In an another arrangement,pointed tip at lower end 20 is assembled onto tube 16 either in aremovable manner, such as by screwing, bolting, clamping, snap-fittingor the like, or in a permanent manner such as by welding, gluing, or thelike, or any combination thereof.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tube 16 includes a pluralityof sensor modules 24 that are positioned in spaced relation to oneanother along the length of tube 16. In this way, when tube 16 isinserted vertically into the soil the spaced sensor modules 24 arepositioned at different depths of the soil and the sensor modules 24measure characteristics of the soil at different depths. In anarrangement shown, tube 16 of probe 14 is approximately twenty fourinches long and includes sensor modules 24 at six positions along tube16. However, embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplatedthat in various arrangement, tube may be made to be any length and mayinclude any number of sensor modules 24 at any number differentpositions along tube 16.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tube 16 includes an upper-mostsensor module 24 position a short distance below head 22, a lower-mostsensor module 24 positioned a distance above the tip at the lower end20, and a plurality of sensor modules 24 positioned at equal-spacingbetween the upper-most sensor module 24 and the lower-most sensor module24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, tube 16 includes a receptacle52 positioned at the location of each sensor module 24. In thearrangement shown, as one example, receptacle 52 is formed as an openingin the sidewall of tube 16 that is configured to receive a fertilitysensor assembly 30 therein as is further described herein.

In one arrangement, tube 16 is formed of a plastic material ornon-metallic material that provides structural rigidity for protectionpurposes as well as being impermeable by water. In one arrangement a PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride) material is used, however any other non-metallicmaterial is hereby contemplated for use. Alternatively, a metallicmaterial may be used such as aluminum, iron, steel or any other metallicmaterial or alloy.

Head 22 (of Probe 14):

In the arrangement shown, as one example, probe 14 includes a head 22.Head 22 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to connect to the upper end 18 of tube 16 and enclose theupper end of probe 14. In one arrangement, head 22 houses and/or holdsand/or facilitates connection to all or a portion of various componentsof probe 14 such as lead 54, controller assembly 56 including body 58,processing circuit 60, memory 62 having instructions 64, such assoftware 66 and/or code 68, a communication module 70 having antenna 72and communication circuit 74, an electrically connected power source 76,among other components and parts and systems. When all or part of theseor other components of probe 14 are not housed or held in head 22 theyare housed or held within tube 16, or alternatively these components maybe housed or held within a telemetry unit 33 that is electricallyconnected to probe 14 through lead 54.

With reference to FIG. 2, a wired probe 14 is presented. In thisarrangement, head 22 facilitates connection to a lead 54. Lead 54 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tofacilitate the wired transmission of information and/or power to and/orfrom probe 14 and gateway 32 or another component of the system 10. Lead54 may be a power cable, a coaxial cable, an Ethernet cable, an opticalcable, a proprietary cable, or any other cable, lead, wire or the likeor any combination thereof. Lead 54 facilitates the wired connection toanother component of the system such as gateway 32 (or telemetry unit33), another probe 14, an external power source such as a battery, asolar panel or line power, the internet, an intranet, or any othercomponent of the system or combination thereof. In this arrangement,lead 54 extends into head 22 and electrically connects to some or allelectronic components of probe 14 either directly or indirectly.

With reference to FIG. 3, a wireless probe 14 is presented. In thisarrangement, head 22 is formed to house and hold all or a portion ofcommunication module 70. Communication module 70 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate wirelesscommunication of probe 14 with gateway 32, cellular tower 34, theinternet 36, the cloud 38, the farmer's or user's computing device 42 orany other component of the system 10.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, communication module 70 is anydevice or combination of devices that facilitate wireless communicationof probe 14. In the arrangement shown, as one example, communicationmodule 70 includes an antenna 72 and communication circuit 74 thatfacilitates wireless communication of probe 14. In various arrangements,communication circuit 74 may be configured to communicate using anyprotocol such as Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA), 802.11/Wi-Fi,Wi-Max, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, UltraWideband (UWB), ZigBee,Zwave, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA, CDMA, LTE, and/or FM/VHF/UHF networksor any other communication medium and/or protocol. A transmitterreceiver is used for communication circuit 74 if one way communicationis utilized in that a receiver is configured to transmit informationonly. In contrast, a transceiver is used for communication circuit 74 iftwo-way communication is utilized in that a transceiver sends as well asreceives information.

Various arrangements may utilize various different network topologies tofacilitate connection between probes 14 and/or gateway 32 to facilitatecommunication or data from probes to database 40. In the arrangementshown, as one example, a set of probes 14 are connected to a singlegateway 32 in a star topology. However, embodiments are not so limited.Rather, it is contemplated that probes 14 and gateway(s) 32 may beconnected in any network topology including but not limited to tree,mesh, star, ring, daisy chain, hybrid, and/or any other topology. In oneor more arrangements, communication modules 70 of probes 14 and/orgateway are configured to form an adhoc network for communication ofdata.

Communication module 70, including communication circuit 74, isconnected to an antenna 72. Antenna 72 is any device that facilitatesthe transmission and/or reception of the over-the-air signals, and mayinclude a monopole antenna, dipole antenna, a loop antenna, a fractalantenna, or any other form of an antenna or combination thereof. Antenna72 is configured to receive wireless signals from another component ofthe system 10, such as gateway 32, computing device 42 or anothercomponent, transmits these signals to the receiver/transceiver ofcommunication module 70. Communication module 70 processes these signalsand then transmits these processed signals to processing circuit 60,which processes these signals according to instructions stored in memory62 as is further described herein.

In one arrangement, head 22 is configured to sit just above the ground.That is, in this arrangement the lower end of head 22 is positioned ator just above the ground and the head 22 extends upward therefrom. Thisarrangement ensures wireless signals may be transmitted out of head 22without interference of the ground. However, this arrangement exposeshead 22 to the potential for damage, such as being run over byequipment, as head 22 protrudes out of the ground.

In another arrangement, head 22 is configured to be inserted into theground. That is, in this arrangement the upper end of head 22 ispositioned at (or flush with) or just above or just below the ground.This arrangement protects head 22 as head 22 is submerged into theground and therefor if probe 14 is driven over, head 22 and probe 14 maynot be damaged or may be somewhat protected from damage. However, thisarrangement may present challenges as wireless signals may be inhibitedfrom being transmitted out of head 22 due to interference of the ground.In addition, special attention may be needed to ensure that head 22 isproperly sealed to prevent the infiltration of water and contaminants ifhead 22 is to be submerged within the soil.

Controller Assembly 56, Processing Circuit 60, Memory 62, Instructions64:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, probe 14 includes a controllerassembly 56. Controller assembly 56 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured to control operation of some or allof the electronic components of the probe 14. In the arrangement shown,as one example, controller assembly 56 includes one or more processingcircuits 60, memory 62, or one or more memory devices, and instructions64, which may be in the form of software 66 or code 68, among multipleother components and systems.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, controller assembly 56 iselectrically connected, either directly or indirectly, through wiredconnections, or wirelessly, to other electronic components positionedthroughout probe 14 such as communication module 70, sensor modules 24,power source 76 and the like. In various arrangements, controllerassembly 56 may be configured to communicate with the various otherelectronic components using any protocol such as Serial Data Interface12 (SDI-12), UART, Serial Peripheral Interface, PCI/PCIe, Serial ATA,ARM Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (ALBA), USB, Firewire,802.11/Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, UltraWideband(UWB), ZigBee, Zwave, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA, CDMA, LTE, and/orFM/VHF/UHF networks or any other communication medium and/or protocol.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, controller assembly 56includes stored instructions 64, such as operational routines, thatcontroller assembly 56 executes. Alternatively and/or in addition, inthe arrangement shown, as one example, controller assembly 56 receivesinformation and/or instructions 64 from gateway 32, a user-controlledcomputing device 42, a cellular tower 34, the internet 36, the cloud 38,or another component of the system 10. Controller assembly 56 processesthis information according to instructions 64 stored in memory 62 andthen outputs commands thereby controlling operation of the probe 14.

In one or more arrangements, controller assembly 56 is configured tooperate sensors modules 24 to take periodic measurements duringoperation. In one example arrangement, controller assembly 56 isconfigured to operate sensors modules 24 to take soil measurements every15 minutes. However, embodiments are not so limited. Rather it iscontemplated that various embodiments may be configured to take soilmeasurements at any interval or measurement schedule.

In various different arrangements, controller assembly 56 may beconfigured to use communication circuit 74 to communicate soilmeasurements to gateway 32, cellular tower 34, the internet 36, thecloud 38, the farmer's or user's computing device 42 and or any othercomponent of the system 10 at various intervals. In one or morearrangements, as one example, controller assembly 56 may be configuredto use communication circuit 74 to communicate soil measurements in realtime. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements,controller assembly 56 may be configured to store soil measurements inmemory 62 and communicate multiple measurements to gateway 32, cellulartower 34, the internet 36, the cloud 38, the farmer's or user'scomputing device 42 and or any other component of the system 10 at aless frequent interval (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or anyother interval). In this manner controller assembly 56 may save power byoperating communication circuit 74 less frequently. Processing circuit60 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured toreceive and process information and output commands. In one or morearrangements, for example, such processing circuits includes a circuitspecifically configured and arranged to carry out one or more of theseor related operations/activities. For example, processing circuit 60 maybe discreet logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured andarranged for implementing these operations/activities, as shown in thefigures, and/or described herein. In certain embodiments, such aprogrammable circuit may include one or more programmable integratedcircuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays and/or programmable ICs).Additionally or alternatively, such a programmable circuit may includeone or more processing circuits (e.g., a computer, microcontroller,system-on-chip, smart phone, server, and/or cloud computing resources).For instance, computer processing circuits may be programmed to executea set (or sets) of instructions (and/or configuration data). Theinstructions (and/or configuration data) can be in the form of firmwareor software stored in and accessible from a memory 62 (circuit). Certainembodiments are directed to a computer program product (e.g.,nonvolatile memory device), which includes a machine orcomputer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may beexecuted by a computer (or other electronic device) to perform theseoperations/activities.

Memory 62 is any form of information storage such as flash memory, rammemory, a hard drive, or any other form of memory or combinationthereof. Memory 62 may be included as a part of or operably connected toprocessing circuit 60. Controller assembly 56 may be a single componentthat is located at a single physical location. Alternatively, controllerassembly 56 may be formed of multiple electronic components that areseparated but communicatively connected to one another that act inconcert with one another.

Processing circuit 60 may be a single component that is located at asingle physical location. Alternatively, processing circuit 60 may beformed of multiple electronic components that are separated butelectrically connected to one another that act in concert with oneanother.

Memory 62 may be a single component that is located at a single physicallocation. Alternatively, memory 62 may be formed of multiple electroniccomponents that are separated but communicatively connected to oneanother that act in concert with one another.

Processing circuit 60 and memory 62 may be a single joined componentthat is located at a single physical location, such as within head 22,within tube 16, or at any other location. Alternatively, processingcircuit 60 and memory 62 may be formed of multiple electronic componentsthat are separated but electrically connected to one another that act inconcert with one another.

In one arrangement, controller assembly 56, which includes processingcircuit 60, memory 62 and instructions 64, which may be in the form ofsoftware 66, code 68 or any other form of information, controlsoperation of probe 14. That is, in one arrangement, controller assembly56 controls the operation of sensor modules 24 as well as thetransmission of information through communication module 70, as isfurther described herein.

In one arrangement, wherein probe 14 is connected to telemetry unit 33by lead 54, controller assembly 56 and some or all of the relatedcomponents described herein (processing circuit 60, memory 62 andinstructions 64, communication module 70, antenna 72, communicationcircuit 74, power source 76, and the like) are contained withintelemetry unit 33 which is configured to communicate with gateway 32,the internet 36, the cloud 38, computing device 42 and/or anothercomponent of the system 10.

Sensor Modules 24:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, soil moisture and fertilitysensor system 10 includes a plurality of sensor modules 24. Sensormodules 24 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and areconfigured to facilitate the measurement of the moisture level,temperature, and/or nutrients in the soil surrounding probe 14.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sensor modules 24 include amoisture sensor assembly 26, a temperature sensor assembly 28 and afertility sensor assembly 30. In the arrangement shown, sensor modules24 positioned along the length of tube 16 of probe 14 at equal spacingalong the length of probe 14 such that when probe 14 is verticallyinserted within the soil, the sensor modules 24 are positioned such thatsensor assemblies 26, 28, and/or 30 measures characteristics of the soilat different depths.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, each of the sensor modules 24include a co-located moisture sensor assembly 26, a temperature sensorassembly 28, and a fertility sensor assembly 30. By co-locating themoisture sensor assembly 26, the temperature sensor assembly 28 and thefertility sensor assembly 30 of each of the sensor modules 24 thisensures that accurate readings are being made of the soil moisture,temperature and fertility at the same or approximately the same positionor vertical depth of the soil. In this way, the term co-locating isintended to mean located at approximately the same position on probe 14.

In one arrangement, the fertility sensor assembly 30 is positionedwithin or between the moisture sensor assembly 26 of each sensor module24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, every sensor module 24includes a single co-located moisture sensor assembly 26, temperaturesensor assembly 28 and fertility sensor assembly 30. However, it ishereby contemplated that each sensor module 24 may include any number ofmoisture sensor assemblies 26, such as one, two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine or ten or more. However, it is hereby contemplatedthat each sensor module 24 may include any number of temperature sensorassemblies 28, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine or ten or more. However, it is hereby contemplated that each sensormodule 24 may include any number of fertility sensor assemblies 30, suchas one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten or more.Whether sensor module 24 includes one or more moisture sensor assemblies26, temperature sensor assemblies 28 and/or fertility sensor assemblies30, these moisture sensor assemblies 26, temperature sensor assemblies28 and fertility sensor assemblies 30 are co-located within the sensormodule 24, which means they are located within a narrowly defined areaor space where the moisture sensor assemblies 26, temperature sensorassemblies 28 and fertility sensor assemblies 30 are located near oneanother so as to measure that soil at similar locations.

Moisture Sensor Assembly 26 (of Sensor Module 24):

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sensor modules 24 of soilmoisture and fertility sensor system 10 include a moisture sensorassembly 26. Moisture sensor assembly 26 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured to measure the moisture content ofthe soil at the position of the moisture sensor assembly 26 which isco-located with the position of the temperature sensor assembly 28 andthe fertility sensor assembly 30 of each sensor module 24.

Any form of a moistures sensor or moisture sensing system is herebycontemplated for use as moisture sensor assembly 26. In addition, whileonly one moisture sensor assembly 26 is shown in use with each sensormodule 24, any number of moisture sensor assemblies 26 are herebycontemplated for use with each sensor module 24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, moisture sensor assembly 26 isformed of what is known as a capacitance sensor. In electricalengineering, capacitive sensing (sometimes capacitance sensing) is atechnology, based on capacitive coupling, that can detect and measureanything that is conductive or has a dielectric different from air. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, when moisture sensor assembly 26is a capacitive moisture sensor, moisture sensor assembly 26 includes apositive plate 78, a negative plate 80 and a space or dielectric 82positioned between the positive plate 78 and the negative plate 80.

A capacitive moisture sensor works by measuring the changes incapacitance caused by the changes in the dielectric 82. A capacitivemoisture sensor does not measure moisture directly (pure water does notconduct electricity well), instead it measures the ions that aredissolved in the moisture. These ions and their concentration can beaffected by a number of factors, for example adding fertilizer forinstance will decrease the resistance of the soil. Capacitive measuringbasically measures the dielectric that is formed by the soil and thewater is the most important factor that affects the dielectric.

Noncontact capacitive sensors work by measuring changes in an electricalproperty called capacitance. Capacitance describes how two conductiveobjects (positive plate 78 and negative plate 80) with a space betweenthem (space or dielectric 82) respond to a voltage difference applied tothe positive plate 78 and negative plate 80. When a voltage is appliedto the positive plate 78 and negative plate 80, an electric field iscreated in the space or dielectric 82 between them causing positive andnegative charges to collect on each of the positive plate 78 andnegative plate 80.

In one arrangement, capacitive sensors use an alternating voltage whichcauses the charges to continually reverse their positions. The moving ofthe charges creates an alternating electric current which is detected bya sensor. The amount of current flow is determined by the capacitance,and the capacitance is determined by the area and proximity of theconductive objects. Larger and closer objects cause greater current thansmaller and more distant objects. The capacitance is also affected bythe type of nonconductive material in the space or dielectric 82 betweenthe positive plate 78 and negative plate 80.

In the arrangement shown, capacitive-based moisture sensor assemblies 26at different heights along tube 16 of probe 14 to measure moisturecontent at different soil depths. It has been surprisingly discoveredthat placement of capacitive-based moisture sensor assemblies 26 atpositioned are separated by at least four inches avoids interferencebetween capacitive-based moisture sensor assemblies 26 and improvessensitivity. However, it is contemplated that in one or morearrangements capacitive-based moisture sensor assemblies 26 may beseparated by any distance along tube 16 of probe 14.

Capacitive measuring has some advantages. Namely, capacitive measuringavoids corrosion of the positive plate 78 and the negative plate 80.Capacitive measuring also gives a better reading of the moisture contentof the soil as opposed to using a resistive soil moisture sensor.Capacitive measuring avoids corrosion of the positive plate 78 and thenegative plate 80 since the positive plate 78 and the negative plate 80of the capacitor are not exposed to the soil. As such, there is nocorrosion of the positive plate 78 and the negative plate 80.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, positive plate 78 and negativeplate 80 are formed of electrical conductors. In the arrangement shown,as one example, positive plate 78 and negative plate 80 are formed ofelectrical plates. In the arrangement shown, as one example, positiveplate 78 and negative plate 80 are positioned within the hollow interiorof tube 16 and have an exterior surface that is in engagement with or inclose proximity to the interior surface of tube 16.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, positive plate 78 and negativeplate 80 extend in a continuous and uninterrupted manner around theentire circumference of the interior surface of tube 16. That is, inthis arrangement, positive plate 78 and negative plate 80 extend threehundred and sixty degrees around the probe 14, and/or around theinterior surface of the hollow interior of tube 16.

In one arrangement, positive plate 78 and negative plate 80 are formedon and/or into an insert 84 that is configured to be inserted within thehollow interior of tube 16. In the arrangement shown, as one example,insert 84 extends a length between an upper end 86 and a lower end 88and is sized and shaped to fit within the hollow interior of tube 16with close and tight tolerances. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, insert 84 has an exterior size and shape that closely matchesthe interior size and shape of tube 16. That is, when tube 16 iscylindrical in shape, insert 84 is cylindrical in shape; when tube 16 issquare in shape, insert 84 is square in shape, and so on.

As the moisture level or humidity of the soil between the positive plate78 and negative plate 80 changes, the measured capacitance changes.These changes in capacitance of the soil in the space or dielectric 82between positive plate 78 and negative plate 80 are extrapolated usingan algorithm to determine the true moisture content of the soil at thelocation of that particular sensor module 24. In one arrangement, thetemperature measurement taken by the co-located temperature sensorassembly 28 is used in association with the capacitance measurementtaken by the co-located moisture sensor assembly 26 to normalize themoisture measurement for that particular sensor module 24. This helps totake reduce or eliminate the affect that temperature has on capacitancereadings.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the temperature sensorassembly 28 and fertility sensor assembly 30 of each sensor module 24are positioned between the positive plate 78 and negative plate 80 ofthe moisture sensor assembly 26. Or, said another way, in thearrangement shown, as one example, the temperature sensor assembly 28and the fertility sensor assembly 30 of each sensor module 24 arepositioned within the space or dielectric 82 of the moisture sensorassembly 26.

In an alternative arrangement, temperature sensor assembly 28 andfertility sensor assembly 30 of each sensor module 24 are positionedadjacent the positive plate 78 or negative plate 80 of the moisturesensor assembly 26. In an alternative arrangement, a temperature sensorassembly 28 is positioned on the outside of each of the positive plate78 and negative plate 80. In an alternative arrangement, a fertilitysensor assembly 30 is positioned on the outside of each of the positiveplate 78 and negative plate 80.

Notably, while a single positive plate 78 and a single negative plate 80is shown in use, any number of positive plates 78 and negative plates 80are hereby contemplated for use. As one example, each moisture sensorassembly 26 may include a single positive plate 78 and two negativeplates 80, one on each side of the positive plate 78. As anotherexample, each moisture sensor assembly 26 may include a single negativeplate 80 and two positive plates 78, one on each side of the negativeplate 80. As another example, each moisture sensor assembly 26 mayinclude a two positive plates 78 and two negative plates 80 which areadjacent each other. Any other number of positive plates 78 and negativeplates 80 are hereby contemplated for use as is any other arrangement ofthese positive plates 78 and negative plates 80.

In one arrangement, moisture sensor assembly 26 uses Frequency DomainReflectometry (FDR) or alternatively Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR).These technologies do not measure actual soil moisture levels but soiltension, electro-conductivity, di-electric constant or resistance.

Temperature Sensor Assembly 28 (of Sensor Module 24):

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sensor modules 24 of soilmoisture and fertility sensor system 10 include a temperature sensorassembly 28. Temperature sensor assembly 28 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to measure the temperature ofthe soil at the position of the temperature sensor assembly 28 which isco-located with the position of the moisture sensor assembly 26 and thefertility sensor assembly 30 of each sensor module 24.

Any form of a temperature sensor or temperature sensing system is herebycontemplated for use as temperature sensor assembly 28. In addition,while only one temperature sensor assembly 28 is shown in use with eachsensor module 24, any number of temperature sensor assemblies 28 arehereby contemplated for use with each sensor module 24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, temperature sensor assembly 28is formed of what is known as a thermometer, or a digital thermometer oran electronic thermometer. However, any other form of a temperaturesensor is hereby contemplated for use including thermocouples,resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors, semiconductorbased integrated circuits (ICs), and/or any other form of a temperaturesensor.

Thermocouples are made by joining two dissimilar metal wires together.This causes a Seebeck Effect. The Seebeck Effect is a phenomenon inwhich a temperature difference of two dissimilar conductors produces avoltage difference between the two substances. It is this voltagedifference that can be measured and used to calculate the temperature.

RTDs operate under the principle that as temperature changes, theresistance of any metal changes as well. This difference in resistanceis what RTD temperature sensors are based on. An RTD is a resistor withwell-defined resistance vs. temperature characteristics. Platinum is themost common and accurate material used to make RTDs.

Thermistors are similar to RTDs in that temperature changes causemeasurable resistance changes. Thermistors are usually made from apolymer or ceramic material. In most cases, thermistors are cheaper butare also less accurate than RTDs. Most thermistors are available in twowire configurations. The NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient)thermistor is the most commonly used thermistor for temperaturemeasurement application. An NTC thermistor's resistance decreases as thetemperature increases. Thermistors have a non-linear temperatureresistance relationship. This requires a significant correction tointerpret the data correctly.

Semiconductor based temperature sensor ICs come in two different types:local temperature sensor and remote digital temperature sensor. Localtemperature sensors are ICs that measure their own die temperature byusing the physical properties of a transistor. Remote digitaltemperature sensors measure the temperature of an external transistor.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, like positive plate 78 andnegative plate 80, temperature sensor assembly 28 is formed as part ofinsert 84 and is positioned within the hollow interior of tube 16. Inthis way, tube 16 protects temperature sensor assembly 28. In onearrangement, as one example, temperature sensor assembly 28 includes aprobe that extends outward from or is flush with the exterior surface oftube 16 so as to ensure direct contact with the soil to ensure accuratemeasurements.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, like fertility sensor assembly30, temperature sensor assembly 28 is positioned within moisture sensorassembly 26. That is, in one arrangement, temperature sensor assembly ispositioned between the positive plate 78 and negative plate 80 ofmoisture sensor assembly 26.

The temperature measurements provided by temperature sensor assemblies28 are in and of themselves valuable information. In addition, in onearrangement, temperature measurements provided by temperature sensorassembly 28 are used to normalize the readings from moisture sensorassembly 26 and/or fertility sensor assembly 30. That is, the readingsfrom temperature sensor assembly 28 and moisture sensor assembly 26 areused as inputs into an algorithm or program performed by processingcircuit 60 of controller assembly 56 or another processing device orprocessing circuit of another component of the system 10 whichnormalizes the reading from moisture sensor assembly 26 to provide anaccurate measurement of the moisture level in the soil. Similarly, thereadings from temperature sensor assembly 28 and fertility sensorassembly 30 are used as inputs into an algorithm or program performed byprocessing circuit 60 of controller assembly 56 or another processingdevice or processing circuit of another component of the system 10 whichnormalizes the reading from fertility sensor assembly 30 to provide anaccurate measurement of the nutrient level in the soil.

Fertility Sensor Assembly 30 (of Sensor Module 24):

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sensor modules 24 of soilmoisture and fertility sensor system 10 include a fertility sensorassembly 30. Fertility sensor assembly 30 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to measure one or morecharacteristics of the soil, such as various nutrient levels, ionlevels, pH and/or other characteristics that relate to fertility andsoil health and productivity.

Any form of a fertility sensor or fertility sensing system is herebycontemplated for use as fertility sensor assembly 30. In addition, whileonly one fertility sensor assembly 30 is shown in use with each sensormodule 24, any number of fertility sensor assemblies 30 are herebycontemplated for use with each sensor module 24.

Cartridge 90:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, fertility sensor assembly 30includes a cartridge 90. Cartridge 90 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured to fit within receptacle 52 of probe14. Cartridge 90 is configured to be easily installed into receptacle 52of probe 14 prior to use. Cartridge 90 is configured to be held withinreceptacle 52 of probe 14 during use. Cartridge 90 is configured to beeasily removed from receptacle 52 after use and after cartridge 90 hasexceeded its useful lifespan. That is, cartridge 90 is configured to beeasily inserted within and removed from receptacle 52 so as tofacilitate a removable and disposable fertility sensor assembly 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, cartridge 90 of fertilitysensor assembly 30 includes a body 92. Body 92 of cartridge 90 offertility sensor assembly 30 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to be the main structural element of cartridge90 and is configured to house and hold and connect the other componentsof cartridge 90 of fertility sensor assembly 30 while providingstructural support and rigidity.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, body 92 is formed of agenerally planar member having a generally flat exterior surface 94 anda generally flat interior surface 96 and an exterior peripheral edge 98.In the arrangement shown, as one example, exterior surface 94 andinterior surface 96 extend in approximate parallel planar spacedrelation to one another. In the arrangement shown, as one example,exterior peripheral edge 98 extends in an approximate perpendicularmanner to the planes formed by exterior surface 94 and interior surface96. In the arrangement shown, as one example, body 92 is generallyrectangular shaped when viewed from above or below and includesgenerally straight sidewalls 100 that extend in approximate parallelspaced relation to one another and includes generally straight end walls102 that extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another.In the arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls 100 and end walls102 extend in approximate perpendicular relation to one another therebyforming a generally square or rectangular shaped member.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls 100 and end walls102 connect to one another at rounded corners. Collectively, sidewalls100, end walls 102, and the rounded corners positioned there between,form peripheral edge 98 of body 92 of cartridge 90 of fertility sensorassembly 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, body 92 is formed of a printedcircuit board (PCB), a substrate, or another form of a device thatprovides structural rigidity as well as selective electrical connectionsand selective electrical isolations.

Sealing Member 104:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, cartridge 90 includes asealing member 104. Sealing member 104 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured to allow for the insertion ofcartridge 90 into receptacle 52, as well as facilitate removal ofcartridge 90 from receptacle 52, as well as facilitate forming a sealbetween cartridge 90 of fertility sensor assembly 30 and receptacle 52of probe 14.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sealing member 104 is aflexible, compressible or otherwise malleable member that forms a sealbetween cartridge 90 and receptacle 52. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, sealing member 104 is an O-ring that extends around theexterior peripheral edge 98 of body 92 of cartridge 90 in a continuousand uninterrupted manner. In one arrangement, body 92 includes a wallthat extends rearward from interior surface 96 a distance. This wall maybe formed as part of sealing member 104. Alternatively, this wall may bea separate component from sealing member 104. This wall providesalignment and additional surface area of engagement between the walls ofreceptacle 52 and the exterior peripheral edge 98 of cartridge 90thereby providing increased sealing capabilities.

Electrical Contacts 106:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, cartridge 90 includes one ormore electrical contacts 106 positioned in its interior surface 96 thatelectrically connect to one or more sensors in its exterior surface 94through traces or leads that extend through body 92 of cartridge 90.These sensors include reference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110.

Electrical contacts 106 are formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and are configured to facilitate the establishment of anelectrical connection between cartridge 90 and the other components ofprobe 14. In the arrangement shown, as one example, electrical contacts106 of cartridge 90 are sized and shaped to engage electrical contacts112 in receptacle 52 of probe 14. In one arrangement, electricalcontacts 106 of cartridge 90 are metallic and/or conductive pads thatreceive and/or engage electrical contacts 112 of receptacle 52 which maybe formed of compressible electrical contacts, such as electricallyconductive foams or “pogo pins” which are spring loaded metallic pinsthat facilitate the establishment of an electrical connection betweentwo components. In an alternative arrangement, electrical contacts 106of cartridge 90 may be formed of compressible electrical contacts, suchas what are known as “pogo pins” which are spring loaded metallic pinsthat facilitate the establishment of an electrical connection betweentwo components and electrical contacts 112 of receptacle 52 are metallicand/or conductive pads. The use of electrical contact pads on one ofcartridge 90 and receptacle 52 and the use of compressible electricalcontacts on the other of cartridge 90 and receptacle 52 facilitates theeasy installation and removal of cartridge 90 into receptacle 52 whilefacilitating a secure and durable electrical connection betweencartridge 90 and receptacle 52.

In one arrangement, when electrical contacts 106 of cartridge 90 arespring loaded pogo pins, when cartridge 90 is replaced, the pogo pinsare replaced. This is beneficial as pogo pins do, overtime, wear out andbreak, this may be especially true when cartridge 90, and the attachedpogo pins are exposed to moisture, dirt and other contaminants. And assuch, by replacing cartridge 90 the pogo pins are replaced. This mayprovide durability, robustness, repeatability, and a long useful life.

Reference Sensor 108 and Nutrient Sensors 110:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, cartridge 90 includes at leastone reference sensor 108 and at least one nutrient sensor 110 positionedin its exterior surface 94 that are each electrically connected to anelectrical contact 106 in the interior surface 96 of cartridge 90.

Reference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110 are formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and are configured to sense or detect theconcentration of various nutrients in the soil. In the arrangementshown, as one example, reference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110 arewhat are known as ion selective electrodes. An ion-selective electrode(ISE), also known as a specific ion electrode (SIE), is a transducer (orsensor) that converts the activity of a specific ion dissolved in asolution into an electrical potential. The voltage is theoreticallydependent on the logarithm of the ionic activity, according to theNernst equation.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, each cartridge 90 includes onereference sensor 108 and four nutrient sensors 110, however any numberof reference sensors 108 and nutrient sensors 110 are herebycontemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110 are formed of gold pads that are connected to theexterior surface 94 of cartridge 90. Gold pads, whether solid gold orplated gold, are useful in that gold does not oxidize. However, anyother conductive material is hereby contemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, reference sensor 108 is formedan elongated rectangular pad that extends along one side of cartridge90. In the arrangement shown, as one example, reference sensor 108extends the majority of the length of the end wall 102 to end wall 102length of cartridge 90. However, any other length or shape orconfiguration is hereby contemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, nutrient sensors 110 areformed of generally cylindrical shaped pads that are aligned along oneside of cartridge 90, opposite reference sensor 108, in a row. In thearrangement shown, as one example, four nutrient sensors 110 are shown,adjacent reference sensor 108 and as such, nutrient sensors 110 areapproximately one quarter the size of the reference sensor 108. However,any other length or shape or configuration is hereby contemplated foruse.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110 include a polyimide layer 114 and a graphene layer116.

Polyimide Layer 114 and Graphene Layer 116 and Perforations 118:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110 include a polyimide layer 114 and a graphene layer116.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, polyimide layer 114 covers theentire exterior surface 94 of cartridge 90. In an alternativearrangement, polyimide layer 114 covers a portion of the exteriorsurface 94 of cartridge 90. In an alternative arrangement, polyimidelayer 114 covers the entire surface of reference sensor 108 and nutrientsensors 110.

Polyimide (sometimes abbreviated PI) is a polymer of imide monomers.With their high heat-resistance, polyimides enjoy diverse applicationsin roles demanding rugged organic materials, e.g. high temperature fuelcells, displays, and various military roles. One example polyimide isKapton, which is produced by condensation of pyromellitic dianhydrideand 4,4′-oxydianiline.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, polyimide layer 114 serves asan electrical insulator to the conductive reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, polyimide layer 114 is formedof a Kapton tape. Kapton is a polyimide film developed by DuPont in thelate 1960s that remains stable across a wide range of temperatures, from−269 to +400° C. (−452 to 752° F.; 4 to 673 K). Kapton is used in, amongother things, flexible printed circuits (flexible electronics) andthermal blankets used on spacecraft, satellites, and various spaceinstruments.

The chemical name for Kapton K and HN is poly(4,4′-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide). It is produced from thecondensation of pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′-oxydiphenylamine.Kapton synthesis is an example of the use of a dianhydride in steppolymerization. The intermediate polymer, known as a “poly(amic acid)”,is soluble because of strong hydrogen bonds to the polar solventsusually employed in the reaction. The ring closure is carried out athigh temperatures (200-300° C. (392-572° F.; 473-573 K)).

In the arrangement shown, as one example, polyimide layer 114 is appliedto the exterior surface 94 of cartridge 90 as a Kapton tape. In thisarrangement, an adhesive, or an adhesive layer is positioned between thepolyimide layer 114 and the exterior surface 94 of cartridge 90 toensure adhesion of the polyimide layer 114 to the exterior surface 94 ofcartridge 90.

Any other form of material is hereby contemplated for use as polyimidelayer 114, particularly any other form of material that can be convertedinto graphene.

In some arrangements, as one example, a plurality of perforations 118 ormicro-perforations are formed in polyimide layer 114 prior toapplication of polyimide layer 114 onto the exterior surface 94 ofcartridge 90. Perforations 118 are formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and are formed of openings that extend through the polyimidelayer 114 from its upper surface to its lower surface.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, perforations 118 are generallysmall circular openings in polyimide layer 114, however any other size,shape and design is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangementshown, as one example, perforations 118 are placed in polyimide layer114 above reference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110. In this way,when polyimide layer 114 is applied to the exterior surface 94 ofcartridge 90, perforations 118 land on top of reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110. In this way, the openings formed by perforations118 provide access to the exterior surface of reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110.

After polyimide layer 114 is applied to the exterior surface 94 ofcartridge 90, sections 120 are treated with a laser. As the laserinteracts with the exterior surface of polyimide layer 114 a layer ofgraphene, or graphene layer 116 is formed. In one arrangement a CO2laser is used to form graphene layer 116 from polyimide layer 114.However, any other form of a laser is hereby contemplated for use.

In one or more arrangements, copper traces are laid around the edge ofthe polyimide layer 114. The Lasing of the polyimide electronicallywelds the graphene (LIG) to the trace. These traces extend through body92 of cartridge 90 to connect with electrical contacts 106 of cartridge90, in which case perforations 118 may be omitted. The LIG and withcopper trace creates a tighter hydrophobic seal, which may provide moreaccurate and more stable readings.

Forming graphene layer 116 by applying a laser to polyimide layer 114 iscalled Laser-induced Graphene (LIG). Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a3D porous material prepared by direct laser writing with a CO2 or otherlaser on carbon materials in ambient atmosphere. This technique combines3D graphene preparation and patterning into a single step without theneed for wet chemical steps.

Graphene, the atomically-thin honeycomb carbon lattice, is a highlyconducting 2D material whose exposed electronic structure offers aplatform for chemical and biological sensing. Its biocompatible,flexible and chemically inert nature associated with the lack ofdangling bonds, offers opportunities for direct interfacing withbiological molecules. Combined with its exceptional electronic andoptical properties, this promotes graphene as a unique platform forbioelectronics.

In one or more arrangements, LIG is produced by applying a laser overthe carbon material in a nitrogen gas atmosphere. However, embodimentsare not so limited. Rather it is contemplated that various arrangementsmay use other LIG formation techniques. For example, it has beensurprisingly discovered two or more applications of a DPI laser atdifferent power levels and/or or at different angles in a normalenvironment (no Nitrogen gas) generates a more highly conductive androbust sensor.

In one arrangement, the laser is applied in sections 120 of polyimidelayer 114. That is, wherever the laser is applied, the upper surface orthe exterior surface of polyimide layer 114 is converted into a layer ofgraphene or graphene layer 116. However, this graphene layer 116 isextremely thin, and does not extend all the way through polyimide layer114. As such, despite the fact that graphene layer 116 is conductive,because of the underlying polyimide layer 114 the reference sensor 108and nutrient sensors 110 positioned below the graphene layer 116 andpolyimide layer 114 would remain insulated if it were not forperforations 118 that extend through polyimide layer 114.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when reference sensor 108 isgenerally rectangular in shape, the section 120 covers the interiorportion of reference sensor 108. That is, in this arrangement, thesection 120 of reference sensor 108 is a slightly smaller rectangularshape that is positioned just inward a distance from the exteriorperipheral edge of reference sensor 108. Similarly, in the arrangementshown, as one example, when nutrient sensors 110 are generally circularin shape, the section 120 covers the interior portion of nutrientsensors 110. That is, in this example arrangement, the section 120 ofnutrient sensors 110 is a slightly smaller circular shape that ispositioned just inward a distance from the exterior peripheral edge ofnutrient sensors 110.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when a laser is applied tosections 120 of polyimide layer 114, the upper surface or exteriorsurface of polyimide layer 114 is converted into graphene layer 116.This graphene layer 116 is conductive. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, when a laser is applied to the edges of perforations 118 agraphene layer 116 is formed along the edges of perforations 118.

This graphene layer 116 along the edges of perforations 118 forms aconduit or connector or conductor from the graphene layer 116 in theexterior surface of polyimide layer 114 down to the reference sensor 108or nutrient sensor 110 positioned below the polyimide layer 114. Inaddition to serving as an electrical connection to reference sensor 108or nutrient sensor 110, the intersection at the lower end ofperforations 118 is fused to the reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor110 when the laser is applied to polyimide layer 114 thereby forming agraphene layer 116. That is, when the laser hits the intersection of thelower end of the polyimide layer 114 of a perforation, a portion of thepolyimide layer 114 and a portion of the material of the referencesensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110 are melted and/or mixed, and/or fusedand/or welded together as the graphene layer 116 is formed therebysecurely affixing the graphene layer 116, as well as the polyimide layer114, to the underlying reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110. Thisprevents delamination of the graphene layer 116, as well as thepolyimide layer 114, from the underlying reference sensor 108 ornutrient sensor 110. This prevents electrical disconnection of thegraphene layer 116 from the underlying reference sensor 108 or nutrientsensor 110. For lack of a better term, by providing perforations 118 inpolyimide layer 114 and applying a laser to the polyimide layer 114 andforming a graphene layer 116 that fuses to the underlying referencesensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110 this plugs the graphene layer 116 intothe underlying reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, each reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensor 110 include a plurality of perforations 118 within eachsection 120 of graphene layer 116 and as such, graphene layer 116 iselectrically and physically connected to the underlying reference sensor108 or nutrient sensor 110 at each perforation 118. In this way agraphene based electrode is formed or said another way, a graphene basedsensor is formed. When ions come in direct contact with the graphenelayer 116, the ions change the potential of the electrode by chargetransfer, which is directly proportional to the ion concentration. Thesegraphene based electrodes or graphene based sensors are substantiallyless expensive to manufacture in terms of fabrication as compared tocomparable alternatives, and they are amenable to miniaturization,low-energy consumption, as well as diverse applications.

In the arrangement shown, reference sensor 108 is an open sensor in thatit does not have an ion selective membrane 122 covering the referencesensor 108. As such, all ions are able to reach the reference sensor108. This provides a constant reference potential, and potentiostat,which records the open circuit potential (OCP) which is used tonormalize the readings from the nutrient sensors 110 which include anion selective membrane 122.

As an alternative to forming graphene along the sides of a perforation118 to form an electrical contact with the underlying reference sensor108 or nutrient sensor 110, in one arrangement perforations 118 arefilled with a conductive material. This conductive material may beplated, deposited, injected or inserted by any other manner. In onearrangement a gold paste or silver paste is used. This conductivematerial completes the connection between the exposed surface of theunderlying reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110 within theperforation 118 and the graphene layer 116 of sections 120 on top of thepolyimide layer 114. Any other manner, method or means of connecting thegraphene layer 116 with the underlying reference sensor 108 or nutrientsensor 110 is hereby contemplated for use.

Ion Selective Membrane 122:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, an ion selective membrane 122is applied to nutrient sensors 110 but not reference sensors 108. Ionselective membrane 122 is formed of any suitable size, shape and designand is configured to prevent all but select nutrients or ions to passthrough the ion selective membrane 122. In this way, ion selectivemembrane 122 is what is known as a selectively permeable membrane inthat it allows some materials, ions, nutrients, chemistries, molecules,constituents, etc. to pass through the ion selective membrane 122 whilepreventing other materials, ions, nutrients, chemistries, molecules,constituents, etc. from passing through the ion selective membrane 122.

In one or more arrangements, ion selective membrane 122 is formed of aPVC-based ion selective membrane that is selective to Ammonium, Calcium,Chlorine, Hydrogen, Nitrate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, or Sodiumions or the like or any other materials, ions, nutrients, chemistries,molecules, constituents, or elements or range thereof or combinationthereof.

In one or more arrangements, ion selective membrane 122 may be formed ofPVC layer having a porous scaffold configuration on a molecular level.This may also be referred to as a nano-porous polymer membrane. In oneor more arrangements, ion selective membrane 122 is what is known as anionophore-doped membranes which may be used for functionalisation in ionsensing technologies such as ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). Doping theion selective membrane 122 in this manner allows only selected ionsthrough the porous ion selective membrane 122.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, where multiple nutrientsensors 110 are present on a cartridge 90, all of the nutrient sensors110 may be configured to detect the same ion, which provides redundancywhich may lead to higher accuracy and confidence in the reading.Alternatively, where multiple nutrient sensors 110 are present on acartridge 90, each of the nutrient sensors 110 may be configured todetect a different ion, which provides the ability to sense theconcentration of multiple nutrients using only a single cartridge 90.Another benefit of the cartridge and the co-located multiple nutrientsensors 110 is that the nutrient sensors 110 are able to detect variousion levels or nutrient levels at approximately the same position in thesoil. This may be repeated by providing multiple cartridges 90 along thelength of probe 14.

As one example, a single cartridge 90 having a reference sensor 108 andfour nutrient sensors 110 may have an ion selective membrane 122covering the first nutrient sensor 110 that is limited to hydrogen, anion selective membrane 122 covering the second nutrient sensor 110 thatis limited to Ammonium or Nitrate, an ion selective membrane 122covering the third nutrient sensor 110 that is limited to Phosphorus,and an ion selective membrane 122 covering the first nutrient sensor 110that is limited to Potassium, and in this way, a single cartridge 90 maybe used to detect the pH, as well as the N, P, K concentrations of thesoil.

In this example arrangement, the nutrient sensors 110 collect ion levelreadings that pass through the ion specific membranes 122 which prohibitother ions from passing through the ion specific membrane 122. These ionreadings, nutrient readings, and/or fertility readings are thentemperature compensated using the temperature reading from thetemperature sensor assembly 28 and the raw data is transmitted in a datastring with both Scaled Frequency Units (SFU) and temperature readingsand moisture levels. In this example arrangement, this data is thenstored and processed to equate parts per million (PPM) to pounds peracre (PPA) by moisture and temperature compensation along withnormalization using information from reference sensor 108.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a ceramic or Borosilicateglass membrane 124 is applied over reference sensor 108 and nutrientsensors 110.

In one arrangement, reference sensors 108 includes an ion selectivemembrane 122 similar to that identified above with respect to nutrientsensors 110. However, the ion selective membrane 122 applied toreference sensor 108 includes a silver/silver chloride ink or paste,which is very stable. This provides a reference reading or referencevoltage or reference potential that the readings of the nutrient sensors110 may be compared to.

Membrane 124:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a membrane 124 is applied overreference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110. Membrane 124 is formed ofany suitable size, shape and design and is configured to cover referencesensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110 so as to prevent soil particles,organic matter or other contaminants from adhering to the referencesensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110. In one arrangement, membrane 124 isformed of a ceramic or Borosilicate glass, however any other form of amaterial or a membrane is hereby contemplated for use that allowsmoisture, nutrients and the like to pass through the membrane 124 whilepreventing soil particles, organic matter or other contaminants fromadhering to the reference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110.

Once cartridge 90 is formed, cartridge 90 is configured to be insertedwithin a receptacle 52 of probe 14.

Receptacle 52:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, probe 14 includes one or morereceptacles 52. Receptacles 52 are formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and are configured to receive a cartridge 90 therein withclose and tight tolerances while facilitating an electrical connectionof cartridge 90 with sensor PCB 176 and/or controller assembly 56, whileforming a seal with cartridge 90 and while allowing the exterior surface94 of cartridge 90 to engage the soil, among other features, objectivesand advantages. Receptacles 52 are configured to hold a cartridge 90therein during use. Receptacle 52 is configured to allow for the easyinstallation of cartridge 90 into receptacle. Receptacle is configuredto allow for the easy removal of cartridge 90 from receptacle 52 afteruse and after cartridge 90 has exceeded its useful lifespan. Thisremovable cartridge 90 feature allows the probe 14 to be reused bysimply replacing the cartridges 90. This provides added emphasis onensuring that the cartridges 90 are as low-cost as possible so as toensure disposable cartridges 90 is economically feasible, which issomething the system 10 and configuration presented herein accomplishes.

To facilitate this easy installation and removal of a cartridge 90,receptacle 52 and cartridge 90 are formed of complementary sizes andshapes. That is, in the arrangement shown, as one example, whencartridge 90 is generally rectangular in shape, receptacle 52 issimilarly rectangular in shape and is sized and shaped to facilitate theeasy mating insertion of cartridge 90 within receptacle 52. Any othershape is hereby contemplated for use for receptacle 52 as well ascartridge 90.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, receptacle 52 includes asidewall 126 that extends inward from the exterior surface of probe 14and connects to a rear wall 128. Rear wall 128 of receptacle 52 includeselectrical contacts 112 therein that connect to the electrical contacts106 in the interior surface 96 of cartridge 90. In the arrangementshown, electrical contacts 112 are electrically connected to electricalcontacts 113 on an interior side of receptacle 52. In the arrangementshown, as one example, electrical contacts 113 connect with an edgeconnector 178 of sensor PCB 176 to facilitate communication of sensormeasurements to controller assembly 56. Sensor PCB 176 is formed of anysuitable size shape and design and is configured to communicate withcontroller assembly 56 and perform soil measurements with sensors 108and 110. Alternatively, in some arrangements, electrical contacts 113may be connected directly to controller assembly and sensor PCB 176 isomitted.

In the arrangement shown, electrical contacts 112 of receptacle 52 arecompressible pogo pins compressible then contact electrical contacts 106of cartridge 90 when cartridge 90 is inserted within receptacle 52.However, the opposite arrangement is hereby contemplated for use whereinthe receptacle 52 includes the electrical contact pads that connect withpogo pins 106 of cartridge

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when cartridge 90 is insertedwithin a receptacle 52, sealing member 104 engages and seals to thesidewall 126 of receptacle 52 thereby preventing moisture andcontaminants from entering receptacle 52.

In one or more arrangements, a locking member 130 is associated withreceptacle 52. Locking member 130 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and is configured to lock cartridge 90 in receptacle 52 onceinstalled. In one or more arrangements, locking member 130 may be formedof a screw or bolt or other fastener that extends through or engagescartridge 90 locks or tightens it to probe 14. In one or morearrangements, locking member 130 may be formed of a snap fit feature, adetent, a friction fit feature, a bracket, a pin, or any other componentor system that secures or locks or helps to hold cartridge 90 intoreceptacle 52. This locking member 130 may also serve to ensure a goodand strong seal between cartridge 90 and receptacle 52 so as to preventmoisture and contaminant infiltration.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, to help further preventmoisture and contaminant infiltration, a potting compound 174 is placedwithin receptacle 52. In one or more arrangements, potting compound 174may be formed of any material that prevents or reduces the infiltrationof water into receptacle 52 and/or behind cartridge 90. In one or morearrangements, potting compound 174 is a silicone, dielectric grease,glycerin grease, or any other compound that prevents or reduces theinfiltration and effects of moisture.

Power Source 76:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, probe 14 includes a powersource 76. Power source 76 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to connect to and provide power for theelectronic components of the probe 14. In one arrangement, power source76 is formed of one or more batteries that are positioned inside tube 16and/or head 22. In an alternative arrangement, power source 76 ispositioned within an external telemetry unit 33 or another componentthat is connected to probe 14 by lead 54.

One of the benefits of having power source 76 positioned within theprobe 14 is this makes probe 14 fully wireless. In this arrangement,probe 14 is inserted within the soil without any external components.

In an alternative arrangement, probe 14 may be connected by lead 54 toan external component such as gateway 32, telemetry unit 33 or the like.

Gateway 32 and Telemetry Unit 33:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, soil moisture and fertilitysensor system 10 includes one or more gateways 32 and/or telemetry units33. In one arrangement, gateway 32 and telemetry unit 33 are similarcomponents with one difference being telemetry unit 33 is configured toconnect directly to a probe 14 by way of lead 54 and in this way serveas an above-ground communication and control unit for probe 14. Notethat a telemetry unit 33 is only used with a probe 14 when probe 14 doesnot have the components of telemetry unit 33 on board the probe 14already. In contrast, gateway 32 is configured to serve as a basestation that sends and receives wireless signals (or in some cases wiredsignals) between one or more probes 14 and/or telemetry units 33installed throughout a farm or field. Notably, in one arrangement both agateway 32 and telemetry unit 33 may serve as a repeater in a meshnetwork established between a plurality of probes 14 of the system 10,and as such, each probe 14, telemetry unit 33 and/or gateway 32 mayserve as a repeater or essentially another gateway 32.

For purposes of avoiding redundancy both gateway 32 and telemetry unit33 are both considered to have the following components and operate in asimilar manner, unless specifically identified otherwise.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, gateways 32 and/or telemetryunits 33 include a housing 132. Housing 132 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured and is configured to house andhold the components of gateways 32 and/or telemetry units 33 as isdescribed herein. In the arrangement shown, as one example, housing 132is formed of an enclosure having a main body 134 and a cover 136 thatopens and closes and seals a hollow interior 138. In the arrangementshown, as one example, hollow interior 138 houses controller assembly140.

Controller assembly 140 is formed of any suitable size, shape and designand is configured to control operation of some or all of the electroniccomponents of gateway 32 and/or telemetry unit 33 and/or probe 14 if aprobe 14 or multiple probes 14 are attached. In the arrangement shown,as one example, controller assembly 140 includes one or more processingcircuits 142, memory 144, or one or more memory devices, andinstructions 146, which may be in the form of software 148 or code 150,among multiple other components and systems.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, controller assembly 140 iselectrically connected, either directly or indirectly, through wiredconnections, or wirelessly, to other electronic components of the system10 including other gateways 32 and/or telemetry units 33 and probes 14.In the arrangement shown, as one example, controller assembly 140includes stored instructions 146, such as operational routines, thatcontroller assembly 140 executes. Alternatively and/or in addition, inthe arrangement shown, as one example, controller assembly 140 receivesinformation and/or instructions 146 from other gateways 32 and/ortelemetry units 33, a user-controlled computing device 42, a cellulartower 34, the inters et 36, the cloud 38, or another component of thesystem 10. Controller assembly 140 processes this information accordingto instructions 146 stored in memory 144 and then outputs commandsthereby controlling operation of the controller assembly 140, anyattached probes 14 or other components of the system 10.

In one or more arrangements, processing circuit 142 may be any computingdevice that receives and processes information and outputs commandsaccording to instructions stored in memory 144. Memory 144 is any formof information storage such as flash memory, ram memory, a hard drive,or any other form of memory or combination thereof. Memory 144 may beincluded as a part of or operably connected to processing circuit 142.Controller assembly 140 may be a single component that is located at asingle physical location. Alternatively, controller assembly 140 may beformed of multiple electronic components that are separated butelectrically connected to one another that act in concert with oneanother.

Processing circuit 142 may be a single component that is located at asingle physical location. Alternatively, processing circuit 142 may beformed of multiple electronic components that are separated butelectrically connected to one another that act in concert with oneanother.

Memory 144 may be a single component that is located at a singlephysical location. Alternatively, memory 144 may be formed of multipleelectronic components that are separated but electrically connected toone another that act in concert with one another.

Processing circuit 142 and memory 144 may be a single joined componentthat is located at a single physical location, such as within housing132, or at any other location. Alternatively, processing circuit 142 andmemory 144 may be formed of multiple electronic components that areseparated but electrically connected to one another that act in concertwith one another.

In one arrangement, controller assembly 140, which includes processingcircuit 142, memory 144 and instructions 146, which may be in the formof software 148, code 150 or any other form of information, controlsoperation of and/or works in concert with any connected probes 14 and/orother gateways 32 and/or telemetry units 33. That is, in onearrangement, controller assembly 140 controls the operation of connectedprobes 14 and/or other gateways 32 and/or telemetry units 33 as well asthe transmission of information through communication module 152, as isfurther described herein.

Communication module 152 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to facilitate wireless communication of gateway32 and/or telemetry unit 33 with other gateways 32 and/or telemetryunits 33, cellular tower 34, the internet 36, the cloud 38, the farmer'sor user's computing device 42 or any other component of the system 10.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, communication module 152 isany device or combination of devices that facilitate wirelesscommunication of gateway 32 and/or telemetry unit 33. In the arrangementshown, as one example, communication module 152 includes an antenna 154and radio 156 that facilitates wireless communication of gateway 32and/or telemetry unit 33 and/or an attached probe 14 or other componentof the system 10.

A receiver is used for radio 156 if one way communication is utilized inthat a receiver is configured to transmit information only. In contrast,a transceiver is used for radio 156 if two-way communication is utilizedin that a transceiver sends as well as receives information.

Communication module 152, including radio 156, is connected to anantenna 154. Antenna 154 is any device that facilitates the transmissionand/or reception of the over-the-air signals, and may include a monopoleantenna, dipole antenna, a loop antenna, a fractal antenna, or any otherform of an antenna or combination thereof. Antenna 154 is configured toreceive wireless signals from another component of the system 10, suchas another gateway 32 and/or telemetry unit 33, computing device 42 oranother component, transmits these signals to the receiver/transceiverof communication module 152, which processes these signals and thentransmits these processed signals to processing circuit 142 whichprocesses these signals according to instructions 146 stored in memory144 as is further described herein.

Communication and Calculations:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a plurality of probes 14 areinstalled across a field or farm. Each of the probes 14 periodicallyand/or according to a plan, prescription, schedule or other program or auser initiated request, makes a moisture measurement using moisturesensor assemblies 26, a temperature measurement using temperature sensorassemblies 28 and a fertility measurement using fertility sensorassemblies 30 at the location of each sensor modules 24. Note, however,that not all sensor modules 24 include a fertility sensor assembly 30.In contrast, with reference to FIG. 6, insert 84 only includes afertility sensor assembly 30 as part of the top three sensor modules 24.This is because fertility and/or nutrients are primarily concentrated inthe upper regions of the soil. Or, farmers are only interested inknowing the fertility and/or nutrient concentrations in the upperregions of the soil.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, each of the plurality ofprobes 14 include an on-board communication module 70 or are connectedby lead 54 to a telemetry unit 33 or gateway 32. In one arrangement, asone example, probe 14 makes a moisture measurement using moisture sensorassemblies 26, a temperature measurement using temperature sensorassemblies 28 and a fertility measurement using fertility sensorassemblies 30 at the location of each sensor modules 24 (collectively ameasurement). These measurements are transmitted by wirelesscommunication through communication module 70 of probe 14 orcommunication module 152 of telemetry unit 33. In one arrangement, aplurality of measurements are stored in memory 62/144 and transmitted inbulk so as to save power and reduce the number of data transmissions.This process of collecting readings, which are saved for futurecommunications, is commonly referred to as EDA (Environmental DataAcquisition). This data is then converted to a communications protocolthat is used to transmit the data wirelessly when desired.

These wireless signals are then received by a generally centrallypositioned gateway 32 which then re-transmits them to cellular tower 34,or another communication installation or system. Cellular tower 34 thentransmits the information through one or more information networks 158,which may be a wireless network, a wired network, or any combinationthereof, to the internet 36 and/or the cloud 38. In one or morearrangements, these measurements are stored in database 40.

One of the benefits of system 10 is that the co-location of moisturesensor assemblies 26, temperature sensor assemblies 28 and fertilitysensor assemblies 30 at the location of each sensor modules 24 allowsfor normalization of readings from moisture sensor assemblies 26, afertility sensor assemblies 30 at the location of each sensor modules 24as temperature has an effect on moisture level readings from moisturesensor assemblies 26 and moisture and temperature have effect onreadings from fertility sensor assemblies 30. In addition, readings fromreference sensor 108 are used to normalize readings from ion specificnutrient sensors 110 having ion selective membranes 122 thereon. Usingan algorithm or other program, this normalization may occur at theon-board controller assembly 56, or connected controller assembly 140 ofa connected gateway 32 or telemetry unit 33, or alternatively the rawdata may be transmitted to database 40 and the normalization orcalculations may occur in association with database 40.

To facilitate this data processing, in the arrangement shown, as oneexample, database 40 includes or is connected to or is associated with aprocessing circuit 160, memory 162, or one or more memory devices, andinstructions 164, which may be in the form of software or code oralgorithms, among other components and systems. Alternatively and/or inaddition to processing circuit 160, memory 162, and/or instructions 164being associated with database 40, processing circuit 160, memory 162,and/or instructions 164 may be associated with computing device 42, oralternatively processing circuit 160, memory 162, and/or instructions164 may be associated with both database and computing device 42 whichoperate in a cooperative manner with one another.

To avoid redundancy, processing circuit 160, memory 162, andinstructions 164, whether associated with database 40 or computingdevice 42, are similar to that described herein with respect to probe14, gateway 32 and/or telemetry unit 33. In this arrangement, processingcircuit 160 in association with memory 162 and instructions 164 performscalculations to convert the raw readings from probes 14 to normalizedreadings which may be in the form of parts per million (PPM) or poundsper acre (PPA) or any other format that is useful and valuable to thefarmer.

In one or more arrangements, processing circuit 160, memory 162, andinstructions 164 of database 40 and/or computing device 42 may beconfigured to additionally or alternatively perform various dataanalytics processes on data stored in database 40 to derive additionaldata metrics pertinent to assessment of soil measurements. In somearrangements, the data analytics processes may correlate data indatabase 40 with data in third party data sources to derive such datametrics. As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements thedata analytics processes may cross correlate data in database withpublicly available data sets (e.g., provided by various governmentagencies), which monitor temperature, ground water, and/or weather, forexample, to derive additional data metrics. In one or more embodiments,the analytics processes may be configured to analyze the data and learn,over time, identify trends or various conditions of concern.Additionally or alternatively, analytics processes may be configured toanalyze the data and learn over time predictive models, for example, topredict future soil conditions that will result from a proposed soiltreatment based on based on current measurements. Such learning by theanalytics processes may include, for example, generation and refinementof classifiers and/or state machines configured to map input data valuesto such trends or conditions of concern. In various embodiments,analysis by the analytics processes may include various guided and/orunguided artificial intelligence and/or machine learning techniquesincluding, but not limited to: neural networks, genetic algorithms,support vector machines, k-means, kernel regression, discriminantanalysis and/or various combinations thereof. In differentimplementations, analysis may be performed locally, remotely, or acombination thereof.

In association with and/or in addition to performing the normalizationoperation converting raw data to normalized and useful data and/oranalytics processes, in one arrangement database 40 and/or computingdevice 42 communicatively connected to database 40 generates displays 44of the measurement information from probes 14. These displays 44 may beany form of presentation of the information or measurements generated byprobes 14. This may include charts, graphs, diagrams, tables,spreadsheets, or the like. These displays 44 may be integrated with oroverlaid on or otherwise associated with other forms of information suchas yield maps, application maps, seeding maps, treatment maps, sprayingmaps, or any other form of information that provides greater informationand insight to the farmer. These displays 44 may be interactive and maybe manipulated by the farmer or a crop-insight manager or agronomist orthe like in any way to yield practically any form of insight into fieldhealth.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, these displays 44 aredisplayed on the interactive display 168 of computing device 42 whichmay take the form of a desktop or laptop computer, a smart phone, atablet or any other form of a computing device. Computing device 42 isthen used by the farmer or a crop-insight manager or agronomist or thelike to provide actionable insights.

In response to the insights provided by the information provided byprobes 14, analytics processes, and/or displays 166, the farmer then maytake action by amending the inputs 46. If the land is irrigated, thefarmer may amend the amount of water 48 applied to the field.Alternatively, the farmer may amend the nutrients 50 applied to thefield.

One of the benefits of the system 10 is that probes 14 may providemultiple nutrient-specific measurements at multiple depths through theuse of fertility sensor assemblies 30 having multiple nutrient sensors110 each having an ion selective membrane 122 is that the farmer mayspecifically address nutrient deficiencies. That is, if the field is lowin potassium, the farmer may apply only potassium; if the field is lowin nitrogen, the farmer may apply only nitrogen; and so on. As such, forthe first time, the farmer may in real-time have access to moisture andspecific nutrient information across a farm or field. With nutrientspecific information the farmer may specifically address deficiencies.This reduces cost by eliminating the use of unneeded nutrients. Thisalso improves the environment as this reduces the potential for nutrientrunoff and offsite contamination.

Simultaneous Operation—Individual Operation:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, probes 14 include multiplesensor modules 24 each having a moisture sensor assembly 26 and atemperature sensor assembly 28 and some of them having a fertilitysensor assembly 30 which may include a reference sensor 108 as well asmultiple nutrient sensors 110. In one arrangement, when a measurement istaken, all of the measurements are taken simultaneously. That is, all ofthe sensors of sensor modules 24 are operated at the same time. That iseach of the moisture sensor assemblies 26 and the temperature sensorassemblies 28 and the reference sensor 108 as well as multiple nutrientsensors 110 of the fertility sensor assemblies 30 are energized and takea measurement at the same time or approximately at the same time. Thisarrangement may provide some benefits such speed and being able toperform a complete measurement within a minimum amount of time. Anotherbenefit may be minimal battery usage.

However, performing multiple measurements simultaneously provides somerisks and drawbacks. Namely, the energization of multiple sensorslocated close to one another may cause interference that skews orobfuscates the readings.

In an alternative arrangement, multiple sensors are operated atdifferent times. In one arrangement, all of the moisture sensorassemblies 26 are operated at the same time while the temperature sensorassemblies 28 and fertility sensor assemblies 30 are not energized. Thisarrangement makes the moisture measurement at all sensor modules 24 atthe same time.

In one arrangement, all of the temperature sensor assemblies 28 areoperated at the same time while the moisture sensor assemblies 26 andfertility sensor assemblies 30 are not energized. This arrangement makesthe temperature measurement at all sensor modules 24 at the same time.

In one arrangement, all of the fertility sensor assemblies 30 areoperated at the same time while the moisture sensor assemblies 26 andtemperature sensor assemblies 28 are not energized. This arrangementmakes all the fertility measurements at all sensor modules 24 at thesame time.

As an alternative to this arrangement, as fertility sensor assemblies 30include a reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110, in onearrangement, only one of the reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrientsensors 110 of each fertility sensor assembly 30 is operated at the sametime while the others of the reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrientsensors 110 of each fertility sensor assembly 30 are not energized. Thisway, at any one time, only one of the reference sensors 108 and multiplenutrient sensors 110 of each fertility sensor assembly 30 is energized.

In an alternative arrangement, only one of the multiple sensor modules24 are energized at any one time. In one arrangement, as one example, ifa probe 14 includes three sensor modules 24, each having a moisturesensor assembly 26, a temperature sensor assembly 28 and a fertilitysensor assembly 30 having a reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrientsensors 110, the measurement is performed in the following manner:

-   -   All of the sensors of the first sensor module 24 are energized        simultaneously;    -   All of the sensors of the second sensor module 24 are energized        simultaneously;    -   All of the sensors of the third sensor module 24 are energized        simultaneously.

In this way, all of the measurements are performed in a manner whereinthe operation of one sensor module 24 does not affect the other sensormodules 24. However, the simultaneous energization of the sensors withineach sensor module 24 may affect the readings of the other sensorswithin each sensor module 24.

In another arrangement, as one example, if a probe 14 includes threesensor modules 24, each having a moisture sensor assembly 26, atemperature sensor assembly 28, and a fertility sensor assembly 30having a reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110, onlyone of the moisture sensor assembly 26, temperature sensor assembly 28,and fertility sensor assembly 30 of one of the sensor modules 24 isenergized and/or read at any one time. As an example, the measurement isperformed in the following manner:

-   -   The first sensor module 24 is measured in the following manner:        -   The moisture sensor assembly 26 is energized and read;        -   The temperature sensor assembly 28 is energized and read;        -   The reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110            of the fertility sensor assembly 30 are read simultaneously            or nearly simultaneously;    -   The second sensor module 24 is measured in the following manner:        -   The moisture sensor assembly 26 is energized and read;        -   The temperature sensor assembly 28 is energized and read;        -   The reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110            of the fertility sensor assembly 30 are read simultaneously            or nearly simultaneously; and    -   The third sensor module 24 is measured in the following manner:        -   The moisture sensor assembly 26 is energized;        -   The temperature sensor assembly 28 is energized; and        -   The reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110            of the fertility sensor assembly 30 are energized            simultaneously.

In this way, all of the measurements are performed in a manner whereinthe operation of one sensor module 24 does not affect the other sensormodules 24. In addition, the operation of the moisture sensor assembly26, temperature sensor assembly 28 and fertility sensor assembly 30 doesnot affect the other of the moisture sensor assembly 26, temperaturesensor assembly 28 and fertility sensor assembly 30 within each sensormodule 24. However, the simultaneous energization of the referencesensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110 of each fertility sensorassembly 30 may affect the readings of the other sensors within thefertility sensor assembly 30. In another arrangement, as one example, ifa probe 14 includes three sensor modules 24, each having a moisturesensor assembly 26, a temperature sensor assembly 28 and a fertilitysensor assembly 30 having a reference sensor 108 and multiple nutrientsensors 110 only one of the moisture sensor assembly 26, temperaturesensor assembly 28 and fertility sensor assembly 30 of one of the sensormodules 24 is energized at any one time with each of the referencesensor 108 and multiple nutrient sensors 110 of the fertility sensorassembly 30 energized individually. As an example, the measurement isperformed in the following manner:

-   -   The first sensor module 24 is measured in the following manner:        -   The moisture sensor assembly 26 is energized and read;        -   The temperature sensor assembly 28 is energized and read;        -   The reference sensor 108 of fertility sensor assembly 30 is            read;        -   Each of the multiple nutrient sensors 110 of fertility            sensor assembly 30 are individually read sequentially;    -   The second sensor module 24 is measured in the following manner:        -   The moisture sensor assembly 26 is energized and read;        -   The temperature sensor assembly 28 is energized and read;        -   The reference sensor 108 of fertility sensor assembly 30 is            read;        -   Each of the multiple nutrient sensors 110 of fertility            sensor assembly 30 are individually read sequentially; and    -   The third sensor module 24 is measured in the following manner:        -   The moisture sensor assembly 26 is energized and read;        -   The temperature sensor assembly 28 is energized and read;        -   The reference sensor 108 of fertility sensor assembly 30 is            read; and        -   Each of the multiple nutrient sensors 110 of fertility            sensor assembly 30 are individually read sequentially.

In this way, all of the measurements are performed in a manner whereinthe operation of any sensor of any sensor module 24 does not affect anyother measurement of any other sensor modules 24. This is perhaps themost cautious manner of operating the probe 14. However, this manner ofoperation takes the longest and may increase power draw as functionalcomponents of the probe 14 are operating for a longer period of time asopposed to going into a sleep mode between periodic measurements.

Any other manner of operation of probe 14 is hereby contemplated foruse.

Assembly and Installation:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, soil moisture and fertilitysensor system 10 is assembled and installed in the following manner:Cartridges 90 having the desired ion selective membranes 122 areinstalled into each of the receptacles 52 along the length of tube 16 ofprobe 14. This installation is accomplished by inserting a cartridge 90into each receptacle 52 by aligning the peripheral edge 98 of cartridge90 with the walls of receptacle 52 and pressing the cartridge 90 intothe receptacle 52 until the electrical contacts 106 of cartridge 90engage and electrically connect to the electrical contacts 112 ofreceptacle 52. In this position, the exterior surface of cartridge 90 ormore specifically the exterior surface of reference sensor 108 and/ornutrient sensors 110 are in approximate flush alignment with theexterior surface of tube 16 of probe 14.

Alternatively, it is also contemplated that, in one or morearrangements, the exterior surface of cartridges 90 may be slightlyrecessed to or slightly proud of the exterior surface of tube 16.However, cartridges 90 are configured to operate through directconnection with the soil. As such, while recessing the exterior surfaceof cartridges 90 provides some protection to scratching and damagingcartridge 90 upon insertion of the probe into the soil, this recessingposes problems when it comes to ensuring a direct connection between thesoil and the exterior surface of the cartridges 90. In contrast, havingthe exterior surface of cartridges 90 protrude slightly from theexterior surface of the tube 16 helps to ensure a direct connection withthe soil. However, having the exterior surface of the cartridges 90protrude from the exterior surface of the tube 16 exposes the thin anddelicate membranes on the surface of the reference sensor 108 andnutrient sensors 110 to damage during insertion of the probe 14 into thesoil.

In one arrangement, to facilitate installation of probe 14 into the soilof a field, first the location is selected. Second a hole is formed bysuitable measures in the soil of the field. In one arrangement, care istaken when forming the hole that the sides of the hole have as crisp anedge as possible so as to ensure the best possible direct engagementbetween the soil and the cartridges 90 of probe 14. As examples, thishole may be formed by cutting, plugging, drilling or any other manner,method or means.

Once the hole is formed, the probe 14 is carefully inserted within thehole until the fully inserted. Once probe 14 is inserted into the soil,in one arrangement, as one example, to help ensure direct contactbetween cartridges 90 the soil, a slurry is formed in the soil aroundthe probe 14 and/or the soil is emulsified around the probe 14 therebyensuring the soil makes direct contact with the cartridges 90. In somearrangements, slurry may be formed by mixing a specified ratio of soilwith water. This will ensure a consistent slurry is used for allsensors.

However, injecting a slurry or emulsifying the soil affects the moisturecontent of the soil around the probe 14 which affects the moisturereadings for some time after installation until the soil around theprobe 14 re-establishes equilibrium with the surrounding soil.Typically, such equilibrium occurs within a few days.

Once probe 14 is inserted, the sensor modules 24 measure thecharacteristics of the soil in areas 170 around the sensor modules 24.Each sensor module 24 provides information regarding the characteristicsof the soil at different depths, including moisture level, temperature,and the concentration of nutrients.

After the useful life of the cartridges 90 has been exceeded, which inone arrangement is the length of a growing season which may be as longas nine-months, probe 14 is removed from the soil and the cartridges 90are removed from each receptacle 52. New cartridges 90 are inserted intoeach receptacle 52 and the probe 14 is ready to be used again.

Biasing Member 172:

As mentioned herein, reference sensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110 areformed of what are known as direct contact ion sensors which operatethrough the direct contact of the soil with the sensors. As such, it isimportant to ensure that direct contact between the soil and referencesensor 108 and nutrient sensors 110 is established. In one arrangement,to ensure this direct contact occurs, probe 14 includes a biasing member172. Biasing member 172 is formed of any suitable size, shape and designand is configured to selectively force cartridges 90 outward from tube16 after tube 16 is inserted within the soil.

In this arrangement, cartridges 90 may be recessed to the exteriorsurface of tube 16 during installation of the tube 16 into the soil.Then, after installation, biasing member 172 is engaged or operatedwhich forces cartridges 90 outward until the exterior surface ofcartridges 90 engage the soil in flat and flush and constant andrepeatable and reproducible engagement. This insures accurate andconsistent readings between sensor modules 24 and between probes 14.This also eases the installation process and eliminates the need toinject a slurry around the probe 14 or emulsify the soil around theprobe 14.

In one arrangement, biasing member 172 is a spring loaded system thatonce engaged applies a spring loaded force thereby forcing cartridges 90outward until they engage the soil. In another arrangement, biasingmember 172 is a mechanical cam system that when engaged includes an armthat forces cartridges 90 outward until they engage the soil. In anotherarrangement, biasing member 172 includes one or more electro mechanicaldevices, such as solenoids, that when engaged drive cartridges 90outward until they engage the soil. Any other arrangement orconfiguration or system is hereby contemplated for use as biasing member172.

Alternative Graphene and/or Carbon Layers:

In the arrangement described herein, graphene layer 116 is formed byapplying a laser to the polyimide layer 114. However, any other manner,method or means of forming and/or connecting graphene layer 116 to theunderlying reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110 is herebycontemplated for use.

As one example, as an alternative, graphene flakes are overlaid on theexterior facing surface of reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110which are treated with an adhesive, which in one arrangement is anacrylic adhesive. Then pressure is applied to ensure a tight fit andsecure attachment between the graphene flakes of the graphene layer 116and the underlying reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110. This mayprovide a more-conductive graphene layer 116 and a more-stablemanufacturing process.

As another example, as another alternative, graphene flakes are overlaidon the exterior facing surface of reference sensor 108 or nutrientsensor 110. Then a laser, which in one arrangement is a CO2 laser isapplied over some or all of the area covered by the graphene flakes. Indoing so, a portion of the material of the reference sensor 108 ornutrient sensor 110 are melted and/or mixed, and/or fused and/or weldedtogether with the graphene flakes of graphene layer 116 thereby securelyaffixing the graphene layer 116 to the underlying reference sensor 108or nutrient sensor 110. This may provide a more-conductive graphenelayer 116 and a more-stable manufacturing process.

These manufacturing processes may be less prone to oxidation. Sincereference sensor 108 and nutrient sensor 110 operate at very lowvoltage, in the range of millivolts and microvolts, any oxidation maycause reading inaccuracies and/or reading drift over time.

As another alternative manner of attaching graphene layer 116 to theunderlying reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110, electricallyconductive transfer tape is used to transfer the graphene layer 116,which may be formed of a LIG sensor formed from Polyimide tape onto theunderlying gold pads of reference sensor 108 or nutrient sensor 110. Inthis situation the sensor themselves would not have any polyimidecomponents as the graphene layer 116, which is LIG, is transferred froma polyimide tape to the underlying gold pads of reference sensor 108 ornutrient sensor 110.

To be clear, graphene and polyimide and Kapton are carbon based layers.As such, what is described herein is a carbon based conductive sensorthat is configured to detect the presence of ions through changes in theelectrical potential of the sensor. These changes in the electricalpotential can be translated in to concentration of the particular sensednutrient. As such, any form of a carbon based conductive sensor ishereby contemplated for use with the use of graphene, polyimide, Kapton,etc., simply being examples of carbon layers that may be used. That is,in this case, reference sensor or nutrient sensor 110 includes a carbonbased layer that facilitates a carbon based conductive sensor whereinthe electrical potential changes when ions engage carbon basedconductive sensor. Additional forms of a carbon layer that may be usedmay include biochar, carbon black or any other form of a carbon layer.

Testing Water Quality:

Although some various disclosed embodiments may be primarily describedin the context of soil measurements, the embodiments are not so limited.Rather, it is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use invarious other sensor applications. As one example, in one or moreembodiments, soil moisture and fertility sensor system 10 may be adaptedfor use for sensing of quality and contents of water. For instance, inone or more arrangements, system 10 may be adapted for testing nutrientlevels (e.g., nitrates) in various water sources including but notlimited to, for example, tile drainage, irrigation (surface, canal,and/or well), rivers and streams, municipal water, and/or any otherwater source.

Objectives Met:

From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the soil moistureand nutrient sensor system presented herein improves upon the state ofthe art.

Specifically, the soil moisture and nutrient sensor system presented inone or more arrangements: is more environmentally friendly than existingsystems and methods; is more efficient than existing systems andmethods; is safer to use than existing systems and methods; providescomprehensive moisture data across a field or farm; providescomprehensive moisture data at varying depths; provides comprehensivenutrient data across a field or farm; provides comprehensive nutrientdata at varying depths; provides real-time data; provides actionabledata; provides leading-indicator data; allows a farmer to be proactiveinstead of reactive; allows a farmer to maximize output; allows a farmerto minimize inputs; allows a farmer to optimize inputs and outputs;gives a farmer unprecedented visibility to soil moisture and nutrients;improves yields; reduces costs; is relatively inexpensive; is simple touse; can be used to sense nutrients for an entire growing season; hasreplaceable nutrient sensors; is wireless; is battery powered; helps afarmer meet increasingly strict environmental regulations; is easy touse; is easy to implement; has a robust design; provides charts andgraphs of soil moisture and soil nutrients; provides a farmer withincreased confidence in their decisions; provides accurate soil moisturereadings; provides accurate soil nutrient readings; allows for themeasurement of multiple nutrients; normalizes moisture and nutrientreadings with temperature; provides co-located moisture, temperature andnutrient readings at various depths; is cost effective to use; can beused with any crop; can be used with any nutrient; provides highlyrepeatable results; has a robust design; provides highly accurateresults; has a long useful life; is easy to install; has relatively fewcomponents; has a minimum number of parts; minimizes nutrient runoff; isenvironmentally friendly; improves a farmer's efficiency; saves a farmertime; and/or provides scientific information regarding soil moisture andnutrients, among countless other advantages and improvements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby.

What is claimed:
 1. A soil moisture and fertility sensor system,comprising: a probe; the probe extending a length from an upper end to alower end; the probe having a plurality of sensor modules; wherein theplurality of sensor modules are spaced along a length of the probe;wherein the plurality of sensor modules include a co-located moisturesensor assembly, a temperature sensor assembly and a fertility sensorassembly; wherein the probe is configured to be inserted into soil;wherein when the probe is inserted into soil, the probe makes a moisturemeasurement, a temperature measurement, and a fertility measurement ofthe soil at varying depths.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the probeis formed of a generally cylindrical tube.
 3. The system of claim 1,further comprising a head, wherein the head is connected to the upperend of the probe, wherein the head houses at least a portion of acommunication module.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertilitymeasurement includes measuring two or more of a set of nutrientsincluding: Calcium, Chlorine, Potassium, Sodium, Ammonium, Nitrate,Nitrogen, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Phosphide, Hydrogen Phosphate, andHydrogen ions.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertilitymeasurement includes measuring at least four of a set of nutrientsincluding” Calcium, Chlorine, Potassium, Sodium, Ammonium, Nitrate,Nitrogen, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Phosphide, Hydrogen Phosphate, andHydrogen ions.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the moisture sensorassembly of the plurality of sensor modules is formed of a capacitancesensor, wherein the capacitance sensor measures the dielectric constantof the soil.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the moisture sensorassembly of the plurality of sensor modules is formed of a capacitancesensor having a positive plate, a negative plate and a space between thepositive plate and the negative plate, wherein a fertility sensorassembly is positioned within the space between the positive plate andthe negative plate.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertilitysensor assembly of the plurality of sensor modules is positioned withinthe moisture sensor assembly.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thefertility sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor modules include areference sensor.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertilitysensor assembly of the plurality of sensor modules include at least onenutrient sensor.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertility sensorassembly of the plurality of sensor modules include at least onenutrient sensor, wherein the at least one nutrient sensor includes apolyimide layer.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertility sensorassembly of the plurality of sensor modules include at least onenutrient sensor, wherein the at least one nutrient sensor includes apolyimide layer having at least one perforation.
 13. The system of claim1, wherein the fertility sensor assembly of the plurality of sensormodules include at least one nutrient sensor, wherein the at least onenutrient sensor includes a layer of Kapton®.
 14. The system of claim 1,wherein the fertility sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor modulesinclude at least one nutrient sensor, wherein the at least one nutrientsensor includes a layer of Kapton® having at least one perforation. 15.The system of claim 1, wherein the fertility sensor assembly of theplurality of sensor modules include at least one nutrient sensor,wherein the at least one nutrient sensor includes a graphene layer. 16.The system of claim 1, wherein the fertility sensor assembly of theplurality of sensor modules include at least one nutrient sensor,wherein the at least one nutrient sensor includes a graphene layerhaving at least one perforation.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein thefertility sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor modules include atleast one nutrient sensor, wherein the at least one nutrient sensorincludes a layer of laser induced graphene (LIG).
 18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the fertility sensor assembly of the plurality ofsensor modules include at least one nutrient sensor, wherein the atleast one nutrient sensor includes a layer of ion selective membrane.19. The system of claim 1, wherein the fertility sensor assembly of theplurality of sensor modules include at least one nutrient sensor,wherein the at least one nutrient sensor includes a layer of ceramic orglass that prevents soil adhesion.
 20. The system of claim 1, whereinthe fertility sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor modules includea cartridge that fits within a receptacle in the probe.
 21. The systemof claim 1, wherein the fertility sensor assembly of the plurality ofsensor modules include a cartridge that fits within a receptacle in theprobe, wherein when a cartridge is inserted within a receptacle, aplurality of electrical contacts of the cartridge electrically connectto a plurality of electrical contacts in the receptacle.
 22. The systemof claim 1, wherein the temperature measurement of the plurality ofsensor modules is used to normalize the moisture measurement.
 23. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the temperature measurement of the pluralityof sensor modules is used to normalize the fertility measurement. 24.The system of claim 1, wherein the probe includes an on-board powersource.
 25. A soil sensor system, comprising: a probe; the probeextending a length from an upper end to a lower end; the probe having afirst receptacle; wherein the first receptacle is positioned between theupper end and the lower end of the probe; wherein the first receptacleis configured to receive a cartridge in a removable manner, thecartridge having a first nutrient sensor; wherein the probe isconfigured to be inserted into soil; wherein when the probe is insertedinto soil, the first nutrient sensor of the cartridge received by thefirst receptacle makes a fertility measurement of the soil.
 26. Thesystem of claim 25, wherein when the first nutrient sensor has exceededits useful life, the cartridge is removed from the first receptacle andis replaced with a new cartridge.
 27. The system of claim 25, whereinthe probe is formed of a generally cylindrical tube.
 28. A soil moistureand fertility sensor system, comprising: a plurality of probes; agateway; a database; the gateway communicatively connected to each ofthe plurality of probes and the database; wherein the gateway isconfigured to receive soil measurement data from each of the pluralityof probes; wherein the gateway is configured to communicate the soilmeasurement data received from the plurality of probes to the database.29. The system of claim 28, further comprising: a processing circuitcommunicatively connected to the database; wherein the process circuitis configured and arranged to evaluate the soil measurement data in thedatabase and identify trends in the soil measurement data.
 30. Thesystem of claim 28, further comprising: a processing circuitcommunicatively connected to the database; wherein the process circuitis configured and arranged to evaluate the soil measurement data in thedatabase and predict future soil conditions that will result from aproposed soil treatment specified by a user.
 31. A sensor system,comprising: a probe; the probe extending a length from an upper end to alower end; the probe having a plurality of sensor modules; wherein theplurality of sensor modules are spaced along a length of the probe;wherein the plurality of sensor modules include a co-located moisturesensor assembly, a temperature sensor assembly and a fertility sensorassembly; wherein the probe makes a moisture measurement, a temperaturemeasurement, and a fertility measurement at varying points along thelength of the probe.
 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the probe isconfigured for taking measurements in soil.
 33. The system of claim 31,wherein the probe is configured for taking measurements in a body ofwater.